‘Channelling my passion for the downtrodden into politics’

Hajiya Aisha Galadima Gana, a lawyer, is from Niger State. Her father, the late Alhaji Ibrahim Taku Galadima, was a minister of state for defence, while her mother, who hails from Edo State, was the chief matron of a specialist hospital in Benin City. The youngest of four siblings who is presently the Chairman of the Niger state Law Reform Commission shared her story with Tambari. Educational background

Right now, in recognition of my efforts to empower people within and outside our locality, the Millennium Foundation in Minna gave me an award. I have plans to enroll 20 people, mostly widows from the internally displaced persons’ camps from my zone to go for a course. I will give them starter packs at the end of it. I also have a foundation called Rahmat, which is into sponsorship of orphans, charity, empowerment and sponsorship. Challenges In life, you must come across challenges, but the important thing is to know how to overcome them. God has been very faithful to me. I have been able to overcome whatever challenges I have encountered.

In the political terrain, we women must rise up and acknowledge the fact that we must promote one another and avoid unnecessary backbiting, gossiping and things like that. I am very energetic. Some people call me action woman. Possibly, in the course of striving to attain my set goals, some people may feel you are overbearing, too aggressive or threatened, but other than that, once you are able to overcome it, it is no longer a challenge. Life lessons I tell my children, “Embrace faith; with God all things are possible.” I also tell them to embrace patience. I have discovered that patience opens locked doors. It gets you to where you would want to be at the appropriate time and the best time for you. Prayer without hard work will yield no result. In life you must be focused, prayerful, patient, tolerant and resourceful. With all these ingredients, the sky will always be your limit. Most rewarding part of my career I was the first female regional manager at First Bank. I think that is quite rewarding. Now, I am chairman of the Niger State Law Reform Commission. I believe I’m the first to head that position too. That’s very rewarding for me and I appreciate God for that. Aspirations while growing up I always aspired to be a lawyer while growing up. I liked the outfit: the wig, the gown, everything. I also saw lawyers as people who were sincere. Fond childhood memories I miss my mum. She was very caring and loving. Whenever I came back from school there was always a doughnut or chocolate waiting for me. Typical day I say my prayers, take my bath, then have a very light breakfast and go through my WhatsApp to check what’s happening. I then prepare to go to work and try to stick to my itinerary of the day. Joys of motherhood All my children are grown. I have four children: three boys and one girl. They are all graduates and successful. Three of them are working and one is doing her master’s. She got a scholarship at Manchester. I am a happy mother. Most cherished gift I have many, so I can’t pick one. They all stand out. Top five things on my wish list I want to forever be a dutiful, obedient servant of God. I want to be able to reach out and empower the downtrodden amongst the masses. I want to be able to perform Umrah every year. I want to see my children happily married and see my grandchildren Lastly, I want to be happy and at peace. Favourite music Because I’m an active person, I like any music that makes me dance. I like Yoruba and Nupe music. First app I check in the morning/bedtime WhatsApp so I can catch up on what I’ve missed. Favourite fashion items Sunglasses, good shoes and slippers, good bags and jewellery .

For shoes, flats or heels?

I go for very low heels or flats because of my height. But preferably, I like heels. I’m a fashionable person, and heels give